Ai chi uses an active relaxation technique in which breathing and postural control are important. Clinical Ai Chi and Ai chi are different from each other. Ai Chi is performed in wellness and Clinical Ai Chi can be used for therapeutic applications.

Advantages

  • Fatique
  • Balance
  • muscle strenght
  • pain
  • stiffness
  • autonomy
  • relaxation

Applications

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • fall prevention
  • Dementia

Clinical Ai Chi relations with  a ICF Subcategories.

Function level domain B7 neuromusculoskeletal and movement related functions Activity level: domain D4 mobility
710: Mobility of joint functions.
715: Stability of joints functions.
720: Mobility of bone functions (scapula).
730: Muscle power.
755: Involuntary movement reaction functions.
7602: Coordination of voluntary movement.
7603: Supportive functions of the legs.
7800: Sensation of muscular stiffness.
7801: Sensation of muscle spasm.
4106: Shifting the body’s the center of gravity.
4154: Maintaining a standing position.
4452: Use of arms: reaching.

Method

Ai Chi consist of 19 movements (kata’s). Each movement takes places at breath rate, which is about 14 and 16 times per minute. these movements are:

  • Contemplating, Floating, Uplifting, Enclosing and Folding
  • soothing
  • Gathering
  • Freeing
  • Shifting
  • Accepting
  • Accepting with grace and rounding
  • Balancing
  • Half Circling, Encircling, Surrounding, Nurturing
  • Flowing and Reflecting
  • Suspending

the 19 movements/kata’s

Over time the regulatory conditions change, these are:

  • Going to a rotary trunk position form a symmetrical trunk position.
  • From a static to a dynamic COG (center of gravity).
  • large reaching movements instead of small hand movements.
  • Using narrower base support.
  • From visual control to non-visual / vestibular control.
  • From symmetrical to asymmetrical arm movements.

Hydrotherapy equipment

Sources

Clinical Ai Chi, by Johan Lambeck and Anne Bommer (2010)

Abstract: A 54-year old female, retired due to progressive cognitive decline, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s dementia. Conventional medication therapy for dementia had proven futile. Initial evaluation revealed a non-verbal female seated in a wheelchair, dependent on 2-person assist for all transfers and activities of daily living (ADLs.) She had been either non-responsive or actively resistive for both ADLs and transfers in the 6 months prior to assessment. Following a total of 17 one hour therapy sessions over 19 weeks in a warm water therapy pool, she achieved ability to tread water for 15 minutes, transfers improved to moderate to-maximum assist from seated, ambulation improved to 1000’ with minimum-to-moderate assist of 2 persons. Communication increased to appropriate “yes,” “no,” and “OK” appropriate responses, occasional “thank you” and “very nice.”  The authors propose that her clinical progress may be related to her aquatic therapy intervention. Key Words: Aquatic therapy, Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Hydrotherapy,